First and foremost, I love Xi’an for its rich historical heritage. Strolling through ancient landmarks like the City Wall, the Dayan Pagoda, and the Terracotta Warriors feels like stepping back in time, immersing yourself in the glory of millennia past. These historical sites carry countless stories, captivating all who visit. The Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, and Defu Lane are perfect for a leisurely city walk.

When doing business in Xi’an, avoid rushing negotiations. Xi’an locals prefer a steady, deliberate pace. During business dinners, refrain from critiques of traditional foods like lamb paomo (steamed bread soaked in lamb soup), as respecting local culinary culture is key.

Xi’an is a bona fide tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from around the globe. When planning a trip, be sure to book accommodation early and prepare a detailed itinerary. During peak seasons, popular attractions can get crowded, so expect longer wait times. Comfortable shoes are a must, as many sites require walking. Familiarize yourself with opening hours and plan routes in advance—attractions like the Terracotta Army Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, and Shaanxi Archaeological Museum often require prior reservations.

When visiting Xi’an, knowing a few basic words for compliments, directions, and food can be helpful and appreciated by the locals. For example:

• Liao zha le, mei di hen – “Well done, awesome!”

• Za mai ne? Duo qian? – “How much?”

• Biang Biang noodles, RouJiaMo (Chinese burger), YangRou PaoMo (lamb paomo)

• DiTie Kou(Subway entrance), JiChang BaShi Zhan(airport shuttle station) 

• Ni hao, xie xie, zai jian – “Hello, thank you, goodbye”

Xi’an is the undisputed capital of carbs, offering delights like roujiamo, liangpi (cold noodles), zengao (sticky rice cake), Biang Biang noodles, Qishan minced pork noodles, Qishan noodles, Jia San soup dumplings, lamb paomo, soy-braised beef, cured beef, and hulu chicken (gourd-shaped chicken). The crispy, juicy roujiamo, tangy and spicy liangpi, and soft, sweet zengao are crowd favorites. Just talking about it makes my mouth water!

What I admire most about Xi’an is, as the capital of 13 dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an has embraced cultures and peoples from diverse regions and ethnicities. Here, Buddhism, Islam, and other religions coexist harmoniously in its culture of inclusivity, with Chinese and Islamic architecture complementing each other. People from different backgrounds converge, creating a unique urban charm. This inclusiveness keeps Xi’an vibrant and innovative, preserving its traditional essence while absorbing new influences.